Little Earth Sunday School: A Ministry on the Move

Thanks to your generosity, North Heights has collected piles of blankets and bedding for our ministry in the inner city, Little Earth Sunday School. This has been a ministry on the move for years, and God has been powerfully present through the ups and downs. Hear from the North Heights part-time Staff Member Karl Gertz about how God has been moving:

Blankets and Bedding Donated

I started at Little Earth 14 years ago on Christmas. North Heights was having a craft fair in the gym at Cedar Avenue for the 10th year, and the whole community was pulled into the love of Jesus through this event. The foundation of Little Earth Sunday School was already set by the people that came before me, and I just had to take the baton.

I believe we are now in the 25th year of North Heights’ involvement with the moms, dads, grandparents, and, most of all, the kids in the inner city. This audience that we serve are families that could use a little direction from our Heavenly Father (in the end, we all could use some direction). At different seasons, ministry has been difficult, but keeping our focus on Jesus is always the answer. We can always find a reason to not do what God has called us to do, but it sure feels good when you’re obedient to the call on your life. Over the last 2+ years of Covid, we weren’t able to have Sunday school in the building, so we’ve done it outside when the weather has cooperated. 

Our focus has been more on the community and event-based ministry with school supplies, a blanket and bedding drive, Christmas stockings filled with treats, toys and love, gingerbread houses, and Christmas cards.

In the spring, baskets filled over the top with love and goodies. On Resurrection Sunday, doors were opened to new life with Christ that only comes from a friendship with Him.

We’ve also had barbecues with the community in the spring and fall. This summer, we had water balloon battles with over 1200 water balloons! Being in relationship with Jesus is always what it’s all about. His presence is always there, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! 

Celebrate New Membership

6 people recently made the decision to invest more deeply in North Heights' vision by becoming members! From Catholic backgrounds to unchurched backgrounds, these individuals' stories were carefully and intentionally written by God. Meet the new members, hear their stories, and celebrate their decisions! 

Pauline DiMaggio

Pauline came from a strict Catholic family and went into the convent for about 3 years. She left the convent in search of a better relationship with God by way of yoga and other spiritual avenues. Becoming disenchanted, Pauline moved back to MN, found a church where she felt the Holy Spirit, and was baptized. She has served as a counselor for many years. In time, she found her way to North Heights by invitation from a friend to the passion plays. Pauline enjoys both the Arden Hills and Roseville campuses.

Laurie & Phillip Lawin

Laurie Lawin: Laurie was brought up Catholic and married into the Lutheran faith. They brought up their children Lutheran but felt something was missing in the church she attended. When Covid hit, the doors were shut to her church home. Not wanting to go to church online, Laurie needed to find a church she could physically attend. She was happy that despite the difficulties of the Covid lockdown, she was led to North Heights because of it.

Phillip Lawin: Phillip was brought up Lutheran. If the pastors are motivating, God is moving. But he said, “I’m here because Laurie is here!”

Diane Lenort

Diane came from a Catholic background and is from southern MN, where she could not find a job. She came to the cities and got a job working with food service for schools. Diane found North Heights through a friend who invited her to many Jerry and Ginger Dallin events and the passion plays. Diane enjoys the Arden Hills and Roseville campuses.

Sandy Nelson

Sandy was brought up in the Missouri Synod. She is part of the NH counseling clinic and part of the Wednesday morning women’s Bible Study. She really enjoys North Heights and felt called to be part of our congregation. When the bookstore finally reopens, Sandy is very interested in working there and wants more people to more involved in our mobile library!

Michelle Conlin

Michelle is our kids' ministry coordinator here at North Heights. Michelle grew up in Arkansas with her family. When a neighbor introduced her family to a church with a church bus, Michelle’s parents allowed her to attend services weekly. It was there that Michelle accepted Jesus into her heart. This moment of accepting Jesus as a kid eventually inspired her to lead kids' ministry as an adult. Michelle worked in ministry here in the Twin Cities before finding her way to North Heights two years ago.